This site is based on my daily practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.

Saturday, 13 August 2016

Seminar Report & Video: ENGLAND 2016

On July 30th and 31st I taught a private seminar in
Poulton-le-Fylde, in Lancashire, Northern England. The event organised by
Michael Barr was exclusive with a limited number of tickets being available.
Underpinning this was aim of giving participants more personal attention;
furthermore, to be a significantly different style of course from the other two
on this tour of Europe.

Both standard Shotokan and
self-defence techniques were covered and linked. The key point being that
kihon, kata and yakusoku kumite must collectively result in enhanced jiyu
kumite. When this is not the prime aim and outcome of training, technique
becomes meaningless. In other words, kata application and prearranged kumite
must be practiced alongside ‘non-compliant practice’. Nowadays, many clubs
practice ‘bunkai’ without freestyle sparring. Needless to say, training in this
way means that imperative martial arts skills such as—proper timing, distancing
and chance taking—can never be developed. Conversely, jiyu kumite also requires
that one practices the prearranged forms of sparring to develop strong
fundamentals. Likewise, the applications of kata must be practiced. The result
being Budo (Martial Arts) Karate.

All in all, I would like to thank Michael and Nathalie Barr for hosting me
and my family for the week, and all of those who attended the seminar and
corresponding social events. It was a real pleasure to catch up with old
friends, and form some new friendships as well. I hope that the course content
will help you all in your ongoing development. There were many jewels from
Japan that, if assimilated through practice, will greatly bolster technical
prowess. Osu, André.

Here, below, is a brief video from the England course. More videos from my 2016 European Tour will be coming soon.

About Me

My name is Andre Bertel. I am a New Zealand born karateka who lives in Oita City (Oita Prefecture, Japan). I've practiced the Shotokan style for many years, spending much time here in Japan, seeking to improve my skills and understanding of authentic Karate-Do. I was a student of the late Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. While I may never reach a high level in Karate-Do, I endeavour to do my best via daily training. Furthermore, I believe in promoting the true 'traditional Budo Karate' of Japan, which has and continues to be seriously undermined worldwide: especially in the West.
I am in deep gratitude for the wonderful friendships I have made worldwide, as an instructor, and as an ongoing student of Karate-Do. Overall, Karate-Do has been my way of life, and is something I live everyday.